Frequently Asked Breast Reduction Questions
The Center for Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery
Will I have scarring?
Yes. The breast reduction procedure requires sufficient incisions for the surgeon to work inside the breast, remove excess skin and tissue, and make structural changes. As such, you will have some degree of scarring along the incision lines. However, the incisions are designed to follow the natural lines and curvature of your breast so that they blend in well with the breast overall. The degree and extent of the scarring will also depend in part on your body's natural healing and scarring tendencies, so the final appearance of the scar varies from one patient to the next.
Will insurance pay for my surgery?
If your breasts are so large that they've caused you pain or other physical problems, it is possible that your insurance plan will cover the costs of breast reduction surgery. For a complete assessment of your unique situation, the best course of action is to see a licensed and experienced plastic surgeon such as Dr. Kotis. In consultation with your surgeon, you will be able to better assess whether the procedure is medically necessary, and if so, if your insurance is likely to cover the procedure.
How long does recovery take?
The recovery process will come in stages, and will vary from one patient to the next. In most cases, patients are able to return to non-physical work within about two weeks, and to full normal activities within a week or so after that.
Will I be able to breastfeed after a breast reduction?
It is possible, and even likely, that the breast reduction procedure will interfere with your ability to breastfeed, so the procedure is not usually recommended for women who plan on breastfeeding in the future.
Can a breast reduction change the shape and appearance of my breasts, or will it just make them smaller?
A breast reduction normally involves, in addition to simple reduction in size, some modification of the shape and proportion of the breasts. Excess breast tissue is removed with an eye to aesthetics, reshaping the breasts in the process of reduction. The nipples are also frequently positioned higher on the breast during the procedure, eliminating the sagging appearance.
Is breast reduction permanent?
The breast reduction procedure permanently removes excess breast tissue, but does not prevent additional fat from accumulating in the future, and does not eliminate the swelling effects of hormonal fluctuations. So while the overall size of the breasts is permanently reduced by the breast reduction procedure, it is possible that excess weight gain or hormonal changes might cause the breasts to enlarge to some extent. This effect, however, is usually minimal, and the breasts will always be smaller following a breast reduction than they would have been without the procedure.
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